But don’t just take our word for it, here are what some of the clients and residents we have worked with have to say.
The approach NewmanFrancis took was very resident focused. From the start they showed their commitment to making sure as many residents as possible understood the options; holding home visits and organising interpreters for those who couldn’t come to public meetings and workshops. They ran workshops and kept in regular contact with us to make sure that residents were influencing and involved in the process. They have been our strong advocates throughout, and have maintained their independence from the council through difficult decisions. Their main concern has always been making sure that the residents’ views were heard and taken in to account by the decision makers in the council.
Esther Hainey, Resident Steering Group and Monitoring Group Member
The Neighbourhood Worker programme has improved my life a great deal. It has built my confidence and I have gained so much knowledge and skills. I am so thankful for the support I have received from Prentis & NewmanFrancis since I started the programme. I am financially so much more independent and feel that it makes me a better role model for my children.
Marcia Joseph, Neighbourhood Worker
The Neighbourhood Worker scheme has offered a life changing opportunity to two local and unemployed residents of our estate.
Roy Read, Chair of Bloomsbury Estate Management Board
NewmanFrancis' work was delivered to a high quality and has resulted in the development of a strong and active Bangladeshi Women's Group in the area. The Chartered Institute of Housing included a case study of the project in its best practice 'Guide to Engaging Muslim Communities'(CIH 2008), which was subsequently reported in full in New Start Magazine.
The final report demonstrated an impressive and in-depth grasp of the work and a provided very helpful evaluation of its outcomes.
Angie Greany, Brighton and Hove Council
I was impressed by the professionalism of the team and the seamless help from NewmanFrancis.
Verity Fifer, Chartered Institute of Housing
In all areas NewmanFrancis carried out work above and beyond expectations. They brought in knowledge, networking, best practice and solution based approaches and always delivered on budget and on target.
Richard Sharp, Neighbourhood Coordinator, West Ham and Plaistow
NewmanFrancis’ work as the Independent Tenant & Resident Advisors (ITRA) at the Avenue Road Estate has been fundamental in achieving a positive resident ballot outcome.
They carried out some exceptional work throughout the Covid-19 lockdown period and were very pro-active. NewmanFrancis formulated the residents’ regeneration project group, carried out welfare checks with residents and facilitated capacity building sessions on key milestones in the process including the landlord offer and the residents’ ballot.
I can honestly say I don’t think I could have worked with a better ITRA throughout this process.
Dianne Obichere, Housing Regeneration Officer, Waltham Forest Council
As a relativity new resident to the estate, it was quite daunting to hear about the regeneration plans. The thought of having to move again was quite stressful. My fears and apprehension were quickly curbed by the interaction of NewmanFrancis and the workshops, that laid out the plans and processes for the estate. It also allowed the residents to interact with the actual process.
These workshops quickly showed how much this estate needs a new lease of life and doesn't serve its purpose for millennium living.
I was extremely happy with all the workshops that allowed us to ask any questions about our concerns with the regeneration programme and even allowed us to make suggestions on the new layout and designs of our new homes. I was very impressed with the suggestion for the new homes having low environmental impact, safety and security a priority.
NewmanFrancis, HTA and Waltham Forest council did a great job in these workshops and they were very informative, they covered all avenues, and hoping all goes well, I am looking forward to moving into a new home on the newly regenerated estate.
Lilian Gyening, Resident Project Group Member, Avenue Road Estate
NewmanFrancis was adept at supporting Higgins at Kings Crescent to understand the community's needs. They developed an excellent engagement process that made sure the community were at the heart of decisions being made about their estate. Their community engagement expertise supported a superb partnership between Local residents, Higgins Construction, and the Council, and strongly contributed to the success of this project.
Paul Cooke, Former Preconstruction Director at Higgins Construction Plc
NewmanFrancis' community engagement expertise has been invaluable to Frankham in enhancing our approach to construction and building projects within residential areas. Their wealth of experience and knowledge in effectively communicating, consulting, and involving residents in our work has significantly contributed to our ability to deliver exceptional service to our clients.
Richard Chitty, Group Managing Director Frankham Consultancy
